Hi Dorian,
I'm so sorry to hear about your Brother.
Might I give you a few suggestions. Post a request for a free machine on craigslist or freecycle. Check craiglist for a cheap machine to get by with until you have the funds to repair or replace your machine. Save money (even a $5) each week from the gas or grocery shopping. Put off buying coffee on the go or eating out for a period putting the money is your special "bank", and in no time at all you'll have enough to get at least an entry level machine on sale at our favorite JoAnns, Hancocks, etc. I'm sure you can figure out a way you've bought fabric before...right !!!
If you're in a guild or club, put out a request for someone having an old machine sitting in a closet collecting dust that they no longer want or need. They may be able to do some spring cleaning and you'll be back to sewing.
Hope to hear you're sewing soon.
Pam M